Trinity Tidings for 30. August 2018

On:August 30, 2018

Trinity Tidings for 30. August 2018

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost,
2. September 2018

Holy Communion at 10:00 am

O God our strength, without you we are weak and wayward creatures. Protect us from all dangers that attack us from the outside, and cleanse us from all evil that arises from within ourselves, that we may be preserved through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

What Matters

Remember grammar lessons? Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns all had specific purposes in a sentence, specific placements, and specific punctuation to go with them. The lesson drilled into grammar students was that knowing the rules about how to use words correctly is extremely important. Using slang and profanity was rebellion against those rules. Certain words and phrases may evoke feelings in each of us. The misuse of your and you’re and nonstandard words like irregardless can irritate; words that some consider gross, like moist and vomit, can cause physical reactions. Even though we are taught that it’s sticks and stones that break our bones, some words can injure us more deeply than any rock.

When some religious leaders are offended by how the disciples are eating, Jesus counters their complaints with one of his own: “Isaiah was right; you like to talk big, but you care more about your traditions than you do about honoring God.” He tells those listening that being grammatically correct—following tradition—isn’t what is necessary. The motivation behind the words we chose to speak and the impact those words have on others is what matters.

James, in today’s second reading, takes Jesus’ message a step further and tells his readers to “be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22). We can’t just listen, or only consider, or simply hear, then move on believing we did everything we were supposed to do. This is akin to caring more about whether a message is written with proper grammar than what the message actually says. James tells us that “the word” isn’t just meant to evoke feelings in us, but to compel us to do the word.

For James, “the word” was true belief in God and doing the word—living that true belief—was caring for those in need, especially those who were sidelined or invisible because they didn’t conform to strict guidelines or customs.

Reprinted from Words for Worship, copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

Summer Worship – One Service!
through Labor Day Weekend

This summer, through Sunday 2. Sept, there will be one Sunday liturgy at 10:00 am, with coffee hour following.

Fall Worship Schedule begins next week!

Holy Communion at 8:15 am and 10:45 am
Sunday School at 9:30 am

God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday
9. September

Trinity will join in with God’s Work, Our Hands, a celebration of 10,000 congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). We are one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

During God’s Work Our Hands Sunday, we will be celebrating this freedom to serve our neighbors by preparing 140 School Kits for Lutheran World Relief. We will have all the supplies ready to go. Just bring yourselves! We will begin at 9:30 am. Come sing and play with us and join in on the fun and service!

The Adult Forum
begins Sunday 16. September

The Adult Forum is a class where speakers talk about different ministries in our area and around the world, or we have a Bible Study on an important topic. This group meets every Sunday at 9:30 am in Conference Rm 10.

Pledging for Mission

BIGGER Than A Building! 66 families have pledged $479,040 to our 3-year mission appeal. Total amount received for BTAB! is $435,056.07 as of 26. August. Thank you for your generous support.

Farewell Team Planning

Planning for Pastor Berner’s sendoff has begun. The Farewell Committee members are Sarah G, Steve S, Hagen S, Nancy N, Miriam M, and John B. Please make bring any suggestions or questions to a member of this team.

Pastor Transition Process

In August, the Congregation Council met with Bishop Graham from the Metro DC Synod to discuss the process of transitioning to a new pastor after the retirement of Pastor Berner. A summary of the process appears in the September Trinitarian. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, please raise them with your favorite council member.

You Said Lutherans Believe What?
An Adult Inquiry Class

Six Sundays at 9:30 am
16. September through 21. Oct 2018

If you are interested in becoming a member of Trinity, please join us for this class. If you have been a member of Trinity and are interested in learning more, this class is for you as well. Please talk with Pastor Berner about your interest or the church office.

Trinity Men’s Group

The September meeting of Trinity Men’s Group will be held Wednesday 12. September, at Mike J’s house starting at 1:00 pm. Please let Mike know if you plan to attend.

Oh, Praise the Gracious Power (ELW No. 651)

Through the stanzas of Thomas Troeger’s hymn we give repeated praise to Christ described as “persistent truth,” “inclusive love,” “word of faith” and “tide of grace.” The beginning stanzas go on to show that Christ “gathers…strangers,” “eases…prejudice,” “claims us” and reveals “visions of a world at peace,” with a refrain: “We praise you Christ! Your cross has made us one!” The congregation sings the constant reminder that it is through the cross that Christ does these things.

Altar Flowers

Altar Flowers for Sunday services may be given in memory or honor of loved ones or in celebration of special anniversaries. Sunday altar flower donation is $35. Sign-up on the bulletin board near the Social Hall kitchen.